Cheer as cherry blossoms finally in full bloom

People wearing wigs symbolising cherry blossoms and toasting one another at a picnic underneath cherry trees at Ueno Park in Tokyo yesterday. Japan had announced the cherry blossom season would start on March 21 with the flowering of sakura blossoms at the Yasukuni Shrine, but other places in Tokyo were denied the sight because of a cold weather snap. However, Tuesday's jump in temperature to 17 deg C changed that, drawing out throngs of people for the "hamami" tradition of viewing and appreciating the famed pink flowers.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 06, 2017, with the headline 'Cheer as cherry blossoms finally in full bloom'. Print Edition | Subscribe

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